As technology continues to shape the way we live and work, it may seem as though everyone is confidently messaging through WhatsApp, uploading photos and using AI chatbots.
However, some older adults find it difficult to navigate smartphones and social media, limiting their ability to stay connected and independent in an increasingly digital world.
To address this need, Redland City Council has partnered with social enterprise Youngster.co and corporate partner Capalaba Central Shopping Centre to deliver the Tech It Easy program.
The program brings together local tech-savvy youngsters (aged 18-24) and older people (aged 55 and over) – providing free one-on-one tech support for the older group and meaningful employment and skills for the younger.
By bringing the two groups together, the program is also about connecting generations within the community and strengthening social inclusion.
The original program ran for two hours every Monday morning from 19 January to 20 April, but has been so successful that all three parties have committed to continue Tech It Easy until 26 October.
By the end of June, 107 older people had received tech support for everyday digital needs through a session, with 30 per cent booking follow-up sessions.
Cheryl has accessed the program three times – seeking help with issues that were frustrating her.
“I set up my iPad and iPhone with a new email but the devices kept defaulting to the previous email that was no longer in service so I could not sign into these devices,” Cheryl said.
I went along to a Tech It Easy session and the young person fixed the problem so I could access my new email address
“At other sessions I received help to remove pop up ads and pop up save password messages, as well as how to back up and refresh my phone.
“The young people were excellent. They really helped me understand how my phone works and it was good to have somewhere I could go to get help without costing mega bucks.”
Other support provided by youngsters included help with:
- organising folders on a laptop and tidying up an email inbox
- gaining more confidence in using features on a phone, including an introduction to ChatGPT
- uploading photos to Facebook
- syncing Outlook calendar to a phone
- syncing an email account to Facebook, backing up WhatsApp data and setting up Messenger on a phone
- messaging family through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger
- navigating Facebook and learning how to block and delete someone from an account.
However, it isn’t just the younger group imparting knowledge. After each session, the older participants are asked to provide life advice for the youngster.
Examples of advice offered includes:
- Ask for help
- Keep learning more about technology
- Be patient and don’t be uptight
- Learn as much as you can
- Always give something a go, because mistakes are part of learning
- Take on every challenge that comes along as that is how you grow.
The interactions highlight not only successful technical outcomes, but confidence building and encouragement across generations.
The participating young people also benefit by earning access to a Google Career Certificate scholarship once they complete 10 sessions with Youngster.co. The Certificate program provides job-ready professional training in high-demand fields and, upon completion, participants have the opportunity to connect with leading employers across Australia.
Tech It Easy is an example of Redland City Council’s commitment to supporting digital inclusion and fostering stronger, intergenerational communities through collaboration and innovative programs.
The program supports key initiatives and strategies outlined in Council’s Corporate Plan and other strategic documents – Redlands Coast Stronger Communities Strategy 2024-2027, Redlands Coast Young People’s Action Plan 2024-2027 and Redlands Coast Age-friendly Action Plan 2021-2026.
The Tech It Easy sessions are held in The Circle Community Space at Capalaba Central Shopping Centre every Monday (except public holidays) from 10am to 12pm.
Bookings are encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome subject to availability. Information on these free sessions, including how to book, is available on Council’s Seniors webpage.
